CROWN POINT | The 31-year-old Robertsdale man charged in the slaying of a local funeral home operator pleaded guilty Tuesday to voluntary manslaughter.
Shawn Zvonar agreed to serve a 26-year prison sentence in the stabbing of David Ruzich, 58.
The stabbing happened early Oct. 13 in a two-story house at 2031 Indianapolis Blvd. in Whiting, the location of the former Ruzich Funeral Home.
Ruzich's body was found by the family handyman face up on a bed in a pool of blood, with a screwdriver embedded in his right eye socket.
An autopsy revealed Ruzich died of a slashed throat and suffered multiple stab wounds to the upper back, neck, shoulder area and face.
In pleading guilty to the crime, Zvonar admitted to stabbing Ruzich during an altercation.
A witness had told police Ruzich had been at a neighborhood bar about midnight drinking heavily.
Zvonar and Ruzich later were seen walking down the driveway toward the back of Ruzich's building, where the basement had been converted into an apartment.
During the investigation, Zvonar was found to have suffered a double laceration to the palm and thumb of his right hand consistent with a knife wound, and the surface of Zvonar's shoes appeared to be splattered with blood.
When submitted to the state crime lab for analysis, the blood was determined to be that of Ruzich.
Zvonar is scheduled for sentencing Oct. 23 before Lake Criminal Court Judge Salvador Vasquez.
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